Batting

SAUGET, Ill. – Brooks McDowell hurled five scoreless innings, and the SIUE Cougars hit two home runs Thursday en route to a 7-2 win over Saint Louis in college baseball at GCS Ballpark.

"It was a good evening for us," SIUE Head Coach Gary Collins said.

SIUE won two of three from SLU to take the three-game season series. The Cougars are now 23-22 overall. The Billikens are 30-15.

Mitch Matecki hammered a two-run home run through the wind to right field in the first inning to put the Cougars up 2-0. They never trailed in the game. SIUE was up 3-2 in the seventh when Joel Greatting launched a two-run shot to left field to make it 5-2.

"The two home runs were big. One put us ahead and the other pushed us a little more out front," Collins said. "(Joel) hammered it. Both of the homers were hit really hard."

Luke Ingersoll started for SIUE and allowed two runs on four hits through three innings. McDowell followed, allowing no runs and just two hits over five innings of relief. He struck out six to improve to 3-2.

"Give (McDowell) a lot of credit," Collins said. "He really carried us. He did a great job."

Brian Lorenz added a scoreless inning of relief to close it out for the Cougars.

Jerry Mancuso started for SLU and allowed three runs over four innings. He fell to 2-1 with the loss.

The Cougars collected 10 total hits against five Billiken pitchers. Greatting was 3 for 5 with the homer and a run scored. Matecki was 2 for 3 with the homer and three runs. Matt Highland was 2 for 4 with an RBI. Zach Hawkins was 1 for 4 with an RBI.

Alex Kelly was 2 for 3 to lead Saint Louis. Mike Vigliarolo was 1 for 4 with a solo home run.

The Cougars are home to host Ohio Valley Conference-leading Austin Peay in a three-game series beginning Friday. First pitch Friday is scheduled for 6 p.m.